Sunday’s Big Game will see people around the world join together to cheer on their favorite team. Celebrations often include plenty of food and drink, which introduce the opportunity for foodborne illness under the right conditions.
Food safety experts stress that the typical four-hour duration of Super Bowl gatherings creates specific challenges for food safety, according to the AP. Perishable foods such as chicken wings, deli wraps, meatballs, and fresh produce should not remain at room temperature for more than two hours, as this allows harmful bacteria to multiply to dangerous levels.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends specific temperature guidelines for safe food preparation and service. Meats like beef and pork should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, while poultry requires 160 degrees. Leftovers and casseroles must be heated to 165 degrees. These temperatures should be verified using a food thermometer.
To maintain food safety throughout the event, the USDA recommends keeping hot foods at or above 140 degrees Fahrenheit using warming equipment such as preheated ovens, warming trays, chafing dishes, or slow cookers. Cold foods should remain below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, either by refrigeration or by placing serving dishes on ice.
Health experts also recommend serving perishable items in small quantities and refreshing platters regularly rather than leaving large amounts of food at room temperature. This practice helps maintain proper temperature control throughout the event.
Cross-contamination prevention remains crucial for food safety. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines specify using separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw meat and poultry versus ready-to-eat foods. Surfaces should be sanitized with appropriate cleaning solutions before and after contact with raw meat.
For shared appetizers and dips, health officials recommend portioning individual servings to prevent contamination from shared utensils. This measure helps avoid the spread of bacteria through repeated contact with shared foods.
Basic hygiene practices remain fundamental to food safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises washing hands for 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry. This includes using soap and warm water, followed by thorough drying.
The FDA maintains a comprehensive list of recalled products on their website, which party hosts should consult when planning their event menu. The agency recommends checking refrigerators and pantries for any recently recalled items and returning or disposing of affected products appropriately.
Commenting on this article, the nation’s leading food poisoning lawyer said, “Hosting and attending a party for the big game can be a memorable experience. However, I recommend that all fans follow safe food guidelines to ensure the event is memorable for all the right reasons.”
